CIRENCESTER NETBALL CLUB

Cirencester Ignis 24 Bishops Cleeve Saints 27

CIRENCESTER Ignis got off to a good start in what was a fast and lively game, writes Sam Organ.

The new-look Ignis squad was particularly strong in attack with shooters Sarah Podbery and Holly Casley getting the upper hand, ending the first quarter 8-6 up.

Despite a slight dip in the second quarter, which Ignis marginally lost, the centre court area was looking good with accurate link-up play from Katie Hobbs.

The Ignis defence got stronger as the game progressed with Sarah Abbots, Claire Willoughby and Sam Organ turning the ball over on numerous occasions.

Going into the final quarter it was 19-18 to Ignis, however despite the strong combination of Ellen Wood (C) and Lucia Barton (WA), Bishops Cleeve Saints pulled away, narrowly winning 27-24.

PoM: Holly Casley.

Cirencester Aqua 29 Cheltenham Ladies Titans 52

CIRENCESTER Aqua needed the first quarter to settle down but the new shooting combination of Liz and Charley Hood worked well, writes Anne Hacker.

Hanna Svensson and Anne Hacker were providing accurate feeds while the defensive team of Jemma Last and Rosie Stephens were kept on their toes by the quick Cheltenham attack.

Cirencester enjoyed their best period in the second quarter. Eve Alder, coming in as GK, soon put pressure on the Titans shooter and great movement from Stephens and Karen Briars gave the Ciren shooters plenty of opportunities to score.

Laura Kelly came on again in the second half giving fresh legs to the defence and Eve demonstrated great movement in the centre court.

Fatigue kicked in during the final quarter and led to some unforced errors.

However, this was an improved performance by Aqua against a very strong Cheltenham team and the players should feel proud of their performances.

PoM: Rosie Stephens.

United Hawks 35 Cirencester Terra 13

IN an end-to-end game, Cirencester Terra matched their opponents in an even first quarter, cancelling out each others' goals, and with Terra holding firm under pressure, writes Lauren Chandler.

In the second quarter, United worked the ball into the circle well and their shooting was accurate.

United continued to defend well making it difficult for the Ciren shooters. However, Ciren did a fine job getting the ball to the circle.

By the end of the third quarter Ciren had dropped behind.

In the last quarter, Ciren did better at stopping the ball from getting down the court but that wasn't enough.

Although going down 35-13 everyone put in 110 per cent effort.

PoM: Beth Mackinnon.